Senior MLC economist Bob Cunneen discusses which key events have been driving markets. In this video, Bob discusses: why global shares delivered a strong 3.5% positive return for March, how the global economy is performing, why Australian shares delivered a solid 2.3% gain, and how the Australian economy is travelling.

Highlights: The vaccine rollout and vast sums of fiscal and monetary support are helping to accelerate economic growth and restore confidence. Global trade was disrupted when a giant container ship became lodged in the Suez Canal; Lloyd’s List estimated the loss of trade at around US$400 million per hour. European leaders are contending with a…

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the current policy settings, including the targets of 10 basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility and the government bond purchase program. The rollout of vaccines is supporting the…

Highlights: Economic data confirms a sufficiently V-shaped recovery, but growth has not been even across regions and downside risks remain. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is set to move through congress and includes a third stimulus payment of $1,400 and extended unemployment insurance. Vaccine rollouts have been plagued by supply shortages in Europe, but…

Share markets respond positively to lower global virus cases and promised US fiscal support While the virus is still a threat and the global recovery remains patchy across countries, share markets are pricing in better prospects for 2021. Senior economist Bob Cunneen discusses.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the current policy settings, including the targets of 10 basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility and the government bond purchase program. The outlook for the global economy has…

Where we are now in investment markets and economies and the investment outlook for 2021 with Jonathan Armitage, Chief Investment Officer, MLC Asset Management.

Highlights: Macroeconomic indicators remain robust, but vaccine supply delays in some regions and the emergence of new Covid-19 strains have dampened sentiment. The US congress is negotiating President Biden’s proposed US$1.9 trillion stimulus package, which includes US$1,400 payments to low-income workers. The EU has imposed tougher restrictions on visitors and the UK will introduce tighter…

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the targets of 10 basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility. It also decided to purchase an additional $100 billion of bonds issued by the Australian Government and states and…

Highlights: Globally there were over 85 million confirmed Covid-19 cases at the start of January and over 20 million in the United States alone. Democrat wins in the Georgia runoff election will give the incoming Biden administration more flexibility with economic policy and the structure of further stimulus. Stricter lockdown measures were implemented throughout Europe,…